September's Words to Live By: 'Every artist was at first an Amateur', Ralph Waldo Emerson.

This is the first of what will become my monthly blog/newsletter and I hope you will all stay tuned and give it a try for at least a few months!​I'm excited to be starting a new studio class at CoBACH Center in Brighton on November 1st. We'll be working in pastel, charcoal and pastel pencil. It will be ongoing, once-per-week sessions where students learn a basic drawing technique that is great for those who don't think they can draw or don't like to draw. Students work at their own pace from photo references and each week we will explore something new together and also work on our own independent works of art. The 'new somethings' may be a technique, tips on achieving certain qualities or effects, using different papers and products, and sharing of ideas. We'll explore color theory, composition, techniques like under painting and textured painting surfaces and much more. Hopefully some of these explorations will be driven by the students' specific areas of interest!

I really want to give back to students some of the 'ah ha' moments and realizations that I have had over the years. You know, those things that you say 'gosh I wish I had learned about that or seen that much earlier in the cycle of learning'. In the past, I had the good fortune of studying under a mentor and one of the luxuries was being able to try out different products and papers before I had to invest in them. Let's face it - artist supplies are expensive enough without having to invest only to find out that you hate that $15 a sheet paper you just invested in, or worse.

I want to give budding pastelists the opportunity to experiment without fear and in an environment that is fun, supportive and non-judgmental. Remember, it's really all about the art and the artist.

If you have an interest, I'd love to hear from you. I'd also love to receive comments on those things you wish you either knew more about, or wish someone had shown you earlier in your pastel learning experience.

What do you think?

PS: head to my 'Workshops' page for complete details on the class, materials list and registration. Class size is limited and early registration is therefore encouraged.

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